Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said Tuesday that the African Democratic Congress “looks dead” following a series of defections by its lawmakers to other political parties. He made the remark during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, after reading multiple letters of resignation from ADC members who announced their move to the Labour Party (LP) and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The defections have been striking in number. At least 17 members of the House of Representatives left the ADC for the NDC, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe formally joined the LP. Senator Victor Umeh also abandoned the ADC for the NDC, citing “lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigation” within the party. Akpabio, presiding over the session, noted the frequency of defections had become disruptive, quipping that lawmakers should compile their moves in one document rather than announce them individually.
Founded in 2005, the ADC once positioned itself as a reformist party, fielding candidates in presidential elections and gaining modest traction in legislative contests. However, persistent leadership disputes, weak grassroots structures, and legal battles have eroded its relevance. The recent exodus of lawmakers underscores the fragility of smaller parties in Nigeria’s competitive political environment.
ADC leaders pushed back against Akpabio’s remark, insisting the party remains alive despite the defections. Spokespersons argued that internal reforms are underway and that the ADC will continue to play a role in Nigeria’s democracy. In contrast, members of the NDC and LP welcomed the new entrants, framing the defections as evidence of their growing strength and appeal.
Political stakeholders offered varied reactions. Supporters of the NDC and LP hailed the defections as a boost ahead of the 2027 general elections, while critics warned that the moves reflect opportunism rather than ideology. Analysts noted that the weakening of the ADC may reduce voter confidence in smaller parties, reinforcing the dominance of larger platforms.
Experts say the defections highlight deeper issues in Nigeria’s party system, where loyalty is fluid and ideology often takes a back seat to political survival. While the ADC struggles to retain relevance, the influx of defectors into the NDC and LP could energize those parties, reshaping alliances ahead of future contests. For Nigeria’s democracy, the episode raises questions about stability, representation, and whether voters can trust parties to endure beyond election cycles.
